Little Theatre another piece in downtown's redevelopment

The opening of Florence Little Theatre’s new facility this week is a history-making event in the local arts community.

The $10 million state-of-the-art theater is designed to enhance the entertainment experience for audiences and local talent, alike. More space, better acoustics, improved lighting, ample restroom facilities and a dedicated concession area combine to create a little theater most community’s just dream about.

The handsome architectural design is also a boon to our evolving arts district/downtown revitalization effort, complementing other impressive additions to the Dargan Street area in recent times, namely the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library and the Spa at Fitness Forum.

In addition, we look forward to the start of construction on the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center and hopefully if the various factions can agree to compromises, a new location for the Florence Museum in the downtown area.

Of course, the new theater would not be possible without the generous support of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation, McLeod Health, a committed FLT board of trustees and all those who contributed to the project through fundraisers and donations.

We hope that this demonstrated support will be maintained.

While FLT has a history of self-sustainment, it can not survive without continued public support. If you haven’t already, consider purchasing season tickets or aim for a higher level of support if your budget allows.

The line up for the 2008-09 season is stellar and features riveting drama (“The Miracle Worker”), classic comedy (“The Odd Couple”), holiday hilarity (“Plaid Tidings”) and whimsical fantasy for the whole family (“Peter Pan”).

The season-opener rock opera spectacular, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” is sure to draw impressive crowds and is expected to be a sell-out each night.

While some of the buzz about this production has been driven by the objections of a few, plenty of people have expressed excitement about being witness to one of the most inspirational, high-energy, high-reaching presentations in FLT history.

Regarding those objections, the FLT board of directors recently set the record straight. While early versions of “Jesus Christ Superstar” were intentionally sensationalized by presenters, the dismayed author of the play, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, decided in 1996 to recreate his original vision.

In 2000, his modernized version of the musical hit Broadway, this time winning accolades for its more scripturally accurate portrayal of Christ’s final week. As an added thrill for audiences, the resurrection was included, as well. This is the style being presented on the FLT stage; the version you will see includes no implied relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and Judas won’t be narrating.

We give Florence Little Theatre a standing ovation for bringing this high-caliber production to our local stage.

We’ll see you at the show.